When Henry Clay Frick built his imperial mansion at 70th Street, he told friends he was doing it to “make (Andrew) Carnegie’s place look like a miner’s shack.” At his death, Mr. Frick bequeathed his New York residence and the most outstanding of his many art works to establish a public gallery for the purpose of “encouraging and developing the study of the fine arts.” Chief among his bequests, which also included sculpture, drawings, prints, and decorative arts such as furniture, porcelains, enamels, rugs and silver, were 131 paintings. Needless to say, the Frick Collection is one of New York City’s most beloved cultural treasures. Featuring works by Bellini, El Greco, Vermeer, Velazquez, Boucher, Goya, Turner, Van Dyck, Renoir, and Holbein, The Frick Collection is just as impressive as the ornate rooms in which they are showcased. We recommend watching the short film on Henry Clay Frick and his collection (it plays every half hour in the music room) and use the free audio guide. Almost every piece is documented, and there’s no better setting in New York to brush up on your 17th Century European History.

For more on The Frick Collection, click here to read our feature on GrandLifeHotels.com.

What the locals are saying

Carol HanEntrepreneur, Digital Strategist, & Writer

I love The Frick

Cody HammondTailor

The Frick is great.

Virginia MadsenActor

You MUST visit. As you wander through this beautiful old mansion, you will always be surprised. Sometimes there is a musician playing the harp in the garden. Go there and dream.

John MunsonChief Concierge, GrandLife Hotels

It’s not nearly as overwhelming as some of our larger museums, while housing masterpieces that are equally as impressive. Definitely one of my favorite places to go when I need a quiet respite from the stresses of the city.

Susie BubbleBlogger, Style Bubble

I love the Frick Collection, an arts museum that is actually serene in the middle of Manhattan.

Gabby MejiaEntertainment Director at Soho Grand & DJ

It's the perfect size with a few, precious Vermeers in their collection. Incredible art without the hustle and bustle of The Met.